For a few years our Province was graced with the presence of our brother Br. Benedict Ayodi, a friar of the Custody of Kenya. He served locally at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, New York City, as parochial vicar. He also serves on the global stage on the board of directors of Franciscans International; on the board of trustees of the Parliament of the World’s Religions; and as an advisor for Africa for the Laudato Si’ Movement.
With many transitions in the Province following provincial chapter, it may have gone unnoticed that Brother Ben transferred from our Province to the Our Lady of Angels Province in California.
In July, Brother Ben took up residence with the Capuchins at St. Lawrence of Brindisi Friary in Los Angeles. He has since traveled throughout the Our Lady of Angels Province, visiting all the fraternities and meeting all the friars. He is assigned to St. Lawrence of Brindisi Parish in Watts, where he serves as a parochial vicar.
“My day-to-day ministry is quite varied,” he said. “I celebrate daily and Sunday Masses, hear confessions, celebrate baptisms and other sacraments, visit the sick and homebound, assist with funerals, and accompany the different parish groups and ministries. I also serve at St. Lawrence of Brindisi Catholic School, working with the students, teachers, staff, and families.
“Beyond the sacramental and parish ministry, I also help with our parish food pantry and the Capuchin Family Kitchen, the provincial food truck, which serves many families and people in need in the surrounding community. Our parish is very vibrant and active, with several Masses and many parish activities throughout the week.
“The Watts community faces many social and economic challenges, but amid these realities, St. Lawrence remains a place of great hope. The Capuchin friars have been present here since 1922, walking with the people through generations. I am grateful to join that long Capuchin presence and to continue our Franciscan mission of being brothers among the people, especially those on the margins.”
Brother Ben stated: “As I begin this new chapter of my Capuchin life here in California, I remain very grateful to my brothers in the Province of St. Mary, and especially to the fraternity and community at Our Lady of Sorrows, for all the fraternity, support, friendship, and prayers during the years I lived and ministered there. I have many good memories of our life and ministry together. Please extend my greetings and gratitude to the brothers. Although I am now ministering on the other side of the country, I continue to remember you all with gratitude and in my prayers.”